Community Connections Returns for a Second Year

Cornwall Ontario – A popular event that brought together new residents and local agencies is returning for a second year.

Community Connections will be October 5 from 10:00am to 3:30pm at 1500 Cumberland Street.

“It can be very challenging when newcomers try to navigate the various websites looking for employment resources or to find special program information,” says Sheila McDonald, who is organizing the event with some other volunteers on behalf of the Local Immigration Partnership Council. “We wanted to present a one-stop forum to introduce newcomers to the local contacts that can help them find the information and support they need to be successful and feel welcomed.”

The event will feature short presentations from several local agencies and industry leaders, a lunch, and an opportunity for participants to mingle and network with presenters. There is no charge for the event and all are welcome.

“We expect over 100 newcomers to attend, along with local residents,” says Ms McDonald. “Industry Leaders will be on hand to provide insights into employment experiences, such as what potential candidates can expect in terms of hours, shifts, wages, experience, and opportunity within a particular industry.”

The influx of newcomers to Cornwall has been a trend that the Local Immigration Partnership Council has been tracking for some time.  This has included young families and professionals moving to the area for work but also international students such as high school students participating in exchange programs; those coming to Cornwall to complete post-secondary education; and some coming to participate in special training opportunities. For example, St. Lawrence College has welcomee 100 foreign students this year and the NAV CENTRE is currently hosting Chinese as well as Saudi Arabian students.

Last year, the City’s Economic Development Department launched a new website aimed at providing information to new immigrants. The site can be found at immigrationcornwall.ca

Here is a partial list of the participating agencies in Community Connections event. More are expected to confirm over the next several days.

• Clinique Juridique- SDG- Legal Clinic
• Réseau de soutien à l’immigration francophone de l’Est de l’Ontario
• Jobzone
• Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre  (attending but not presenting)
• TR Leger Immigrant Services
• Eastern Ontario Training Board (attending but not presenting)
• RDEE Ontario
• Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien
• St. Lawrence College
• Citi Collegiate
• Eastern Ontario Health Unit
• Centre Moi j’apprends – Cornwall
• Élargir l’Espace Francophone
• MPP Jim McDonell Office
• GIAG Employment Services d’emploi

Industry Leaders

• Walmart Canada Logistics
• SigmaPoint Technologies
• RBC Royal Bank
• Atelka
• Olymel
• ITS International Truckload Services
• Contak Staffing

“There will be presentations throughout the morning and the afternoon will include special employer and newcomer sessions from 1 to 2 pm and speed dating type interview sessions from 2 pm to 3 pm,” notes Ms. McDonald. “We are looking forward to helping newcomers succeed in Cornwall.”

Categorised in: Community